Lab Assistant

Astera Cancer Care; City of Albany, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) in the Capital Region seeks an entry-level Lab Technician to join its patient-centered team. You will collect specimens, draw blood, and prepare samples for analysis under CLIA guidelines.

You will maintain equipment, logs, QA records, support patient flow, and help ensure safety and quality across Albany, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, Hudson, and Troy locations. Join NYOH to grow professionally through continuing education and contribute to innovative cancer care

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Entry level, no experience required.

Responsibilities

• Collect specimens from patients as ordered.
• Document results and logs per QA program.
• Perform specimen analysis and operate lab equipment.
• Maintain inventory and prepare patients (e.g., vital signs).
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and regulatory standards.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Specimen collection

Lab equipment operation

Quality control

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Why Join Us?

Be part of a practice at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer care and advanced treatments Access opportunities for professional growth and continuing education. Work alongside a collaborative and compassionate team of experts dedicated to making a difference. Enjoy the convenience of multiple locations throughout the Capital Region. Contribute to groundbreaking clinical trials that shape the future of oncology care. Discover your career potential with a practice dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Job Description

Pay Range: $18 - $23 per hour

SCOPE

Under minimal supervision, is responsible for the collecting and processing of specimens from patients, documenting results according to established procedures. Assists with performing specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures as indicated. Follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Assists with patient flow as needed. Properly identifies patient, draws blood samples and sends to laboratory for analysis. Maintains collection areas and equipment and performs record keeping duties. Works within clearly defined standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods and adheres to quality guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collects appropriate specimens from patients as ordered.
• Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists.
• Performs specimen analysis of all chemistry, hematology, immunology specimens as directed.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using in patient testing.
• Preps patients as necessary (e.g., taking vital signs).
• Assists with testing procedures according to procedure guidelines.
• Sends specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in house.
• Processes incoming orders for lab testing.
• Processes in-house and in-coming results for charting.
• Charts patient results in a timely manner.
• Update and file all daily paperwork, lab logs and maintenance logs.
• Arrange for transfusion of blood products when ordered by physician.
• Operates designated laboratory equipment as directed.
• Uses equipment effectively, skillfully, and efficiently.
• Maintains equipment and work area as directed.
• Performs testing under CLIA guidelines for personnel.
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated.
• Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrator, and reagents.
• Identifies troubleshooting procedures and calls technical services as needed.
• Implements and complies with safety and quality assurance standards.
• Complies with regulatory agency standards.
• Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Properly disposes of hazardous materials.
• Maintains a clean working environment and restocks the laboratory area as needed.
• Performs phlebotomy and sample collection procedures as needed.
• Maintains confidentially of all information related to patients and medical staff.
• Responsible for performing CLIA Waived or Moderately complexity testing under close supervision.
• Properly identify and band patients for blood product transfusion.
• Processes properly labeled specimens according to local blood bank policy.
• Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Complies with applicable regulatory agency standards.
• Maintains confidentially of all information related to patients and medical staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School diploma or equivalent required. Position is entry level and requires no experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands of this job typically require full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination in operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the use hands to finger, handle, or feel and arms to reach or carry. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting.

Build a Career That Makes a Difference

At New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH), we’re more than just the Capital Region’s leader in cancer care and blood disorders—we’re a team of passionate professionals united by a shared mission: to provide compassionate, cutting-edge care to thousands of patients each year. With six state-of-the-art cancer centers across Albany, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, Hudson, and Troy— a dedicated women’s imaging center, Akira Medical Imaging + Wellness—we bring advanced treatment close to home. Our team includes 35 board-certified physicians and more than 300 cancer care specialists, all working together across medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology and gynecologic oncology and surgery. At NYOH, we are committed to delivering excellent health care to help our patients continue to tell their story. If you’re looking for more than just a job—if you want a career with purpose—join us and be part of a community that’s changing lives and shaping the future of cancer care.